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One of the best things about Halloween is the fun of turning normal foods into creepy versions. A regular cheese ball can become a spooky cheesy goblin, guacamole transforms into a barfing pumpkin, and cookies get all wrapped up like a mummy.

One of the best things about Halloween is the fun of turning normal foods into creepy versions. Regular cheese balls can become a spooky cheesy goblin, guacamole transforms into a barfing pumpkin, and cookies get all wrapped up like a mummy.

The best parties feature some tried-and-true dishes along with a few surprising items that get everyone talking, and these recipes fill the bill for any Halloween bash.

Kids’ favorite Halloween pizza

Trick or treat? We say treat! Your hungry little ghouls will scream for this Halloween pizza. Featuring mozzarella eyeballs, spooky spiders made of olives, and a web of shredded cheese, this hauntingly good pizza is the best fun and frightful food for your next Halloween party.

Spider web brownie bites

Need a sweet treat for Halloween but have scary-little time to spend in the kitchen? These spooky spider web brownie bites take just minutes to make and will have your dessert-hungry ghouls howling with delight.

Monster munch Halloween popcorn

Monster munch popcorn is sure to be a hit at your Halloween soiree.(Photo11: Smells Like Home)

This monster munch Halloween popcorn, shared with us by Smells Like Home, is an easy way to use up extra Halloween candy and delivers that satisfying sweet-salty flavor everyone loves.

To make it, pop 12 cups of popcorn (about 1/2 cup of kernels) and place it in a large bowl. Melt one package of almond bark according to package directions. Mix in candy corn, M&Ms and honey-roasted peanuts, pour the melted chocolate over the top, and mix.

Spread the mixture on baking pans and let it set up for 30 minutes before you break it into chunks. Have fun playing around with this recipe and using different mix-ins, such as chopped Snickers and Milky Way bars.

Cheddar cheese pumpkin pita chips

These cheddar cheese pumpkin pita chips, shared with us by Hungry Happenings, are easy to make.

Cut pitas in half and roll flat with a rolling pin. Cut them into shapes with a Halloween cookie cutter (such as a pumpkin). Fry the pumpkins in an electric fryer with oil heated to 375 degrees F, flipping over one time until golden brown.

Remove the pumpkins from the oil and place on paper towels. Generously sprinkle the pita chips with your choice of popcorn seasoning; try flavors such as cheddar cheese, bacon ranch, white cheddar and cheesy jalapeño.

Jack-o'-lantern chicken and rice stuffed peppers

Orange bell peppers carved into edible jack-o'-lanterns and stuffed with spicy shredded chicken and brown rice become a scary good dinner for Halloween gatherings, harvest parties, and fun family meals.

Barfing pumpkin guacamole

If you want to make a real impression at the next Halloween party, this hilarious barfing pumpkin guacamole, from Somewhat Simple, will do the trick. Sure, it’s a little gross, but not gross enough to stop anyone from diving into fresh guacamole.

Cut open the top of a medium-sized pumpkin and remove the seeds. Replace the top and cut out triangle slits for eyes and a round hole for the mouth to create the barfing pumpkin face. Place the pumpkin on a serving tray and spoon the guacamole out of the mouth. Surround the pumpkin with tortilla chips.

Halloween cookie bark

Halloween cookie bark(Photo11: Thanksgiving.com)

Is Halloween your favorite time of year because of the thrilling variety of candy ready for you to devour with abandon? We agree! Make a wicked amount of this Halloween cookie bark for a hauntingly huge Halloween treat fix.

Want to make a Halloween-themed food -- or just get rid of that leftover Halloween candy? Make this.
Thanksgiving.com, USA TODAY

Kitty litter cake

'Kitty litter' cake may seem gross to adults, but kids will like it even more.(Photo11: Amanda's Cookin')

As far as gross Halloween party food goes, this kitty litter cake from Amanda’s Cookin’ actually takes the cake.

At first glance, it looks like kitty litter with brown droppings; upon closer inspection, it’s a cake with green cookie crumbles and Tootsie Rolls. Adults might find it a little icky, which will make the kids love it even more!

To make kitty litter cake, bake chocolate and vanilla cake mixes. Next, use a food processor to crumble up vanilla cookies, and add green food coloring to 1/4 cup of the crumbled cookies.

After the cakes are baked and cooled, crumble them both up and pour them into a new (emphasis on the new, never-ever-been-used) kitty litter box. Combine with half of the cookie crumbs and stir in just enough prepared vanilla instant pudding or pistachio pudding to make the cake crumbles slightly moist.

Now comes the fun part: Unwrap Tootsie Rolls and place them in the microwave until almost melted, shape them into cat droppings, and place them throughout the kitty litter. Hang a few Tootsie Rolls off the side for a realistic touch. (The more disgusting it looks, the better.) Sprinkle the green cookie crumbs over the top — and serve with a new pooper scooper.

Halloween Rice Krispies treat cake

Halloween Rice Krispies cake(Photo11: Thanksgiving.com)

Looking for that supernaturally perfect sweet treat for your kiddo’s class party or the annual Halloween bash in your neighborhood? Our no-bake Halloween crispy rice cereal cake is easy to make and hauntingly hard to resist!

Make these cute cake pops for Halloween.
Thanksgiving.com, Thanksgiving.com

The USA TODAY Network and Thanksgiving.com, America’s home for the holidays, are here to help you make those special times of year with family and friends even brighter. Whether you're looking for recipes, how-to food videos, seasonal decor ideas, or delicious new desserts, we've got you covered. Thanksgiving.com is produced by USA TODAY Network newsrooms and Grateful Ventures, a part of the Network.